At first I was very gung ho about the idea of collaborative learning communities. This is my fourth online course, and I’ve enjoyed them so far, although the two I've enjoyed the most were the one's in which I met colleagues [who I am still friends with] in person to work on projects. I’ve also been working for UMASS for about a year doing online Wimba support. I’ve loved that too. I’ve thought, “how cool is this getting online in real time with people all over the planet.”
Recently, though, I feel different. I’m getting lonely. Working on a virtual team with people I’ve never met is getting old. I would like to know who my colleagues are. They feel very one dimensional. I have a vague idea of what they look like, what their hobbies are, where they live, what their voices sound like, whether they are reliable workers or not, but that’s about it. I long to invite them to my back yard to shoot the breeze and eat watermelon.
I’m feeling the same about this course—somewhat disconnected, lonely, wondering who all of the people behind the posts are, and at the same time, wondering if I even care. Yes, other people’s feedback has influenced, even changed, my opinions on some of the course content, which is good. But the loneliness is getting to me, and I’m loosing motivation. I find myself distracted by other things I want to learn [this week it’s Web 2.0] and less able to focus on this class.
Brenda is doing all of the “right” things, structuring in collaborative activities, giving us lots of feedback, keeping the interaction between us going, but for some reason I can’t quite put my finger on, its not working well enough to keep me as motivated as I was at the beginning of the course.
I’m starting to think that I would do better with a cohort model where students in the program started at the same time and met in person [the Nantucket thing, but as a cohort all starting and going through the program together]. I would also like to try a hybrid course. I have a hunch I would feel more part of a learning community if the other members were more 3-D than I experience my colleagues in this course to be.
Recently, though, I feel different. I’m getting lonely. Working on a virtual team with people I’ve never met is getting old. I would like to know who my colleagues are. They feel very one dimensional. I have a vague idea of what they look like, what their hobbies are, where they live, what their voices sound like, whether they are reliable workers or not, but that’s about it. I long to invite them to my back yard to shoot the breeze and eat watermelon.
I’m feeling the same about this course—somewhat disconnected, lonely, wondering who all of the people behind the posts are, and at the same time, wondering if I even care. Yes, other people’s feedback has influenced, even changed, my opinions on some of the course content, which is good. But the loneliness is getting to me, and I’m loosing motivation. I find myself distracted by other things I want to learn [this week it’s Web 2.0] and less able to focus on this class.
Brenda is doing all of the “right” things, structuring in collaborative activities, giving us lots of feedback, keeping the interaction between us going, but for some reason I can’t quite put my finger on, its not working well enough to keep me as motivated as I was at the beginning of the course.
I’m starting to think that I would do better with a cohort model where students in the program started at the same time and met in person [the Nantucket thing, but as a cohort all starting and going through the program together]. I would also like to try a hybrid course. I have a hunch I would feel more part of a learning community if the other members were more 3-D than I experience my colleagues in this course to be.
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5 comments:
It gives me pause to read and reflect on YOUR reflection on your increased sense of loneliness.
I find it curious that of all class members, your investment of time and significant contribution of ideas, challenging deeper thoughts, often sharing opposing views and opinions, playing devil's advocate, etc. have brought you to this place. [Maybe your participation was not counterbalanced by others' participation?)
It has certainly seemed to me that you have played a significant role in this semester's "community".
I believe you have provided ample "glue" for constructing communal bridges which may not have begun to grow without your (and a few others') contributions.
I thus find it (just)a bit of a mystery why such loneliness could grow during your rather intense dialog with others. It gives a real & virtual example of one who can feel alone even in the midst of a community.
This indeed is a reality for some who reside (only in part) in such a community.
Time and life continue their winding journey apart from and even as our class comes to an end. It is to be expected - the diminishing benefit:cost ratio for investing and/or feeling invested in...
As I write in my blog, I wish this topic (i.e. learning communities) could have been (should be) integrated into the prerequisite course for this certificate program.
Frontoading this issue would provide students and instructors alike the the opportunity to conciously decide how they want to go about their journey.
Thanks for your candid expression of one reality that can occur during participation in an online class!
Bob
Hi Ellen,
First of all, I'm sorry that you are feeling so disconnected right now. The mood you describe is so far removed from the picture you posted in your first blog. I do understand your feeling. At the beginning of the course I was all excited about interacting more frequently with all the interesting and intelligent characters I encountered in my initial reviews of everyone's blog. As time has progressed I've had to start dealing a personal family issue that limited my participation for several weeks. Just this past week, I've felt a renewed sense of energy for the course, so I hope that you too can regain that motivation.
Secondly, I want to thank you for all of your wonderful contributions throughout the course so far and for sharing your thoughts so openly. I know that my growth in the class has definitely been enhanced through your presence in the course. It is this type of sharing which helps build a true sense of community.
I think your observation about a program cohort rings true. My wife is in the UMass Higher Education EDd program and she has built some wonderful lifelong friendships.
So far in the ID program, I've taken 3 f2f classes and this is my 2nd online class. All in all I probably prefer f2f myself, but it seems that more and more classes are only offered online. One thing I am doing is trying to keep a fairly steady balance of both types of classes. Since you're in the Boston area too, I hope to see you in a future class.
Meanwhile, what Web 2.0 tools are you finding most interesting?
Hi Ellen,
This particular exercise has had me reflecting on how poorly I have participated the last few weeks. As time goes on in the program, I sign up for courses thinking it will be manageable, and, lately, life events really create barriers to my investment and focus when participating.
Another thing I find difficult, is when doing group work, i'm never sure where the communicating is going to occur. For example (but not isolated to this!), when we did the wiki, I wasn't sure if information was being shared in the blackboard area or if we were communicating in the discussion piece of the wiki. Lately, signig into the BB forum has become difficult.
None of these are good excuses though. I recall reading many posts on a couple of wikis from you as you explored the similarity of two topics. It pleased me that I wasn't the only one who stumbled on to that piece. But I came in too late to chime in with you.
Another piece I find tough is the time zone differences. I want to be in the wimba sessions, but responsibilities at home or work often get in the way as it's usually 5 or 6pm here.
Again, not a worthwhile excuse for not connecting better.
Especially when you have an interest in a topic I do as well - the UDL piece.
Wish that I could say my life would slow down enough to connect. I know I often wish the drop date was just a couple of weeks later when I can truly guage the work load with life at that moment. Perhaps F2F courses make that a ilttle easier in that yo must be able to commit to a specific time rather than have the discipline to connect and be open to learning on your own.
Regardless, my apologies.
I think your post is interesting, and it does strike a cord with me.
Those who know me (Or have me on linkedin), know that this is my 4th Masters. Many of my friends ask me "why?", the answer is that I like learning new stuff.
Then the subsequent question is "who do you keep up the energy?" Up until this summer session the answer was 60% class materials and 40% seeing people I know and meeting new people, and they both had to work in conjunction to produce the desired outcome, this summer has been an eye opener.
While I enjoy online classes, I would give more weight to the people factor, and less to the materials factor (maybe 51% people, 49% materials). Even when tired or bored, in f2f classes the energy in the room helps me get through the semester. In a program where ALL classes were online, I would be hard pressed to continue through a 12-course curriculum without having at least a few classes be hybrid, or 'accelerated' where I would get to spend 2 weeks in boot camp with my fellow members of the cohort completing a class
Thanks for sharing your authentic and honest perspective regarding elearning. I can identify. Joining classmates last summer (Nantucket, brought to light the human need for personal connection.
I believe as we become more skilled in the incorporation of Web 2.0 tools we're learning in 605, there will be greater opportunity for "connecting" in the virtual environment. Although at times, I've also felt lonely (i.e. struggles w/ technology), I've also felt connected to a more global classroom. The IT department at UMASS has helped me tremendously in this program. I applaud you!
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